Tube-cleaning apparatus



Ma 9- E. H. MARKLEY 1,704,364

'IIUBE CLEANING APPARATUS Filed Aug. 6, 1926 HIS ATTO NEYS.

mama Mar. 5, 1929.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

EDWARD H. MARKLEY, F PHILLIPSBURG, NEW JERSEY, ASSIGNOR TO .INGEBTSOLL- BAND COMPANY OF JERSEY CITY, NEW JERSEY, A CORIPORATION OF NEW JERSEY.

' TUBE-CLEAN IN G APPARATUS.

This invention relates to tube cleaning apparatus and more particularly to apparatus for cleaning foul steam condenser tubes.

It is an object of this invention to enable the tubes to be cleaned in a simplified manner. A further object of the invention is to dissolve the fouling material from the tubes and to scrub it loose simultaneousl Other objects and advantages of the invention will be in part obvious and in part pointed out hereinafter.

Referring to the drawing,

Figure l is a longitudinal sectional view of a tubular condenser and apparatus for cleaning the tube constructed in accordance with the practice of the invention, and

Figure 2 is an enlarged view in longitudinal section of a portion of the cleaning apparatus. 1

Referring to the drawing, the cleaning apparatus comprises a tubular nozzle A grovided with a plurality of perforations and wound throughout its length with a scrubber C, which may be in the form of a cord or rope having wire bristles projecting therefrom. The scrubber C lies in a helical groove C and may be rapidly and cheaply replaced when worn. The method of wrapping the rope about the nozzle A to form a helix causes the cleaning fluid to be whirled about the inside of the fouled tube and the fluid is thereby caused to come in contact with a large area of the tube wall and to remain in contact with the wall for a longer period of time than is the case with the ordinary brush, thus permitting the fluid to be used to its fullest advantage in dissolving and removing the fouling from the tube wall. By using rope brushes of varying diameter different sizes of tubes may be cleaned.

The nozzle A is preferably attached by threaded engagement as at D to a tubular shank E substantially the length of the tube to be cleaned, the shank being preferably threaded as at F into a handle whichcomprises a rigid tube G surrounded by a tubular grip H preferably of asbestos or other suitable heat insulating material. The grip H may be separated from the tube G by means of a coiled wire heat dissipator J. The forward end of the handle comprises a coupling K into which the shank E is adapted to be screwed as at F and threaded at L to receive the tube G. A flange 0 formed handle is integrally to hold the H with the coupling K is adapted wire coils J and the grip portion 111 posltion. At its rearward end the provided with a sleeve P fitting over the tube G and rigidly attached thereto and provlded with a'flange Q to prevent removal of the wire coils J and the grip portion H. The flow of fluid through the cleaning apparatus is controlled by a valve R which maybe operated by means of a control lever S extending adjacent the grip portion H and adapted to be grasped by the operator holding the grip portion H. The handle S is pr'eferabl pivotally mounted on a pivot T supported y a projecting portion U formed integrally with the sleeve P. A biasing spring V pressing against the lever S normally tends to close the valve R.

In the drawin the apparatus is shown inserted in one o the tubes W of a tubular condenser. The cleaning solution is adapted. to be supplied from a suitable tank X and pumped by means of a pump Y to a flexible hOSGIZ. Ordinarily, the solvents for removing fouling matter from the tubes W is heated as by means of steam sup lied through a pipe 6 extending into the tan X.

In operation the pump Y is first started to supply the solvent through the hose Z to the cleaner. The nozzle A is then inserted into the tube W by the operator grasping the .handle at the grip portion H and the valve R is opened depressingthe valvelever S. The operator then pulls the nozzle A back and forth in the tube causing the brush rope C to scour the inner surface of the tube W. At the same time the solvent is supplied to the interior of the tube W through the tube G, the shank E and the holes B in the nozzle A to soften and wash away removed from the tube surface.

Great force may be required to push the nozzle A back and forth in the tube and in order to permit the apparatus to be operated by two men conveniently a hook or Hug a suitably mounted at the end of the nozzle A is provided by which the nozzle may be engaged to be pulled from the opposlte end of the tube W. 1

Preferably the tubular shank E should be as long as the tube W and to this end the shank E is made in a piece separate from the particles the nozzle A and the handle so that for use of different length tubes W various lengths of shanksE may be utilized.

ing therefrom, said rope brush forming a helix about said tube and thereby causing cleansing fluid issuing fromfsaid perforations to follow a, helical path about the interior of the tube being cleaned.

In testimony whereof I have signed this specification.

EDWARD H. MARKLEY. 

